Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The international Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed 18-25 January. More about WPCU 2021
Creator of the universe, who made us different from one another in myriad ways we can see and in more ways we shall never know, yet made us all in your image; fill our hearts with your love and our minds with your wisdom, that we may truly become brothers and sisters of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
- by Lionel E. Deimel, from St Mary's Lytchett Matravers (UK), 2020
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O God of life,
lead us to justice and peace,
that suffering people may discover hope;
the scarred world find healing;
and divided churches become visibly one,
through the one who prayed for us,
and in whom we are one Body,
your Son, Jesus Christ,
who with you and the Holy Spirit
is worthy to be praised, one God,
now and forever. Amen.
–World Council of Churches 10th Assembly, Unity Statement, from All Pilgrims Christian Church, Seattle
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God our Father, we ask you to send your Holy Spirit ever more deeply into our hearts and minds that we may think thoughts of peace, speak workds that build up, and do the truth always in love, the truth that sets us free, the truth that gives us hope, Amen.
- from 'Praying that all may be free' Irish News, 18 January 2018
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God of wholeness, we recognize, with sorrow, our divisions with each other and with you. As we seek to recover our unity in Christ, we recognize the diversity of gifts, talents, understandings and expressions of faith that abound in the life of your churches. May we see this diversity as an encouragement and inspiration as together we witness and minister to the needs of your world. May your Spirit continually guide and lead us as we grow in grace with each other and with you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- from the National Council of Churches in Australia, WPCU 2014
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Lord, You have called us to be one, to live in unity and harmony, and yet we are divided: race from race, faith from faith, rich from poor, old from young, neighbour from neighbour.
O Lord, by whose cross all enmity is brought to an end, break down the walls that separate us, tear down the fences of indifference and hatred; forgive us the sins that divide us, free us from pride and self-seeking, overcome our prejudices and fears, give us courage to open ourselves to others; and by the power of your Spirit, make us one.
Lord, we want to be completely transformed into your mercy and to be your living reflection.
Help us, O Lord, that our eyes may be merciful, so we may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in our neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.
Help us, that our ears may be merciful, so we may heed our neighbors' needs and not be indifferent to their pains.
Help us, O Lord, that our tongues may be merciful, so we should never speak negatively of our neighbors, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness.
Help us, O Lord, that our hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so we may do only good to our neighbors.
Lord, may we and all Christians be united as one so we may truly become your living reflection.
We make our prayer in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
- from the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Assocation, 2016
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